FITCHBURG — After a tepid start during which St. Bernard's fell behind Whitinsville Christian, the Bernardians found their shooting touch and rolled to a convincing 73-49 victory Friday night at the Activity Center.

Whitinsville's Matt Leduc sank a 3-pointer to open the game and scored five of his team-high 10 points early in the first quarter to spot the visitors a 7-2 lead over the seventh-ranked Bernardians.

But the hosts went on a crushing 22-2 run into the second quarter — including 13 points from Christian LaRoche (game-high 18 points) — to grab a 23-9 lead.

The effort pleased Bernardian coach Mark Pierce, whose team won its fifth straight since a three-point loss to St. John's on Jan. 10. St. Bernard's improved to 9-2, one victory away from a postseason berth.

"We felt we had that (St. John's) game won," he said. "We turned the ball over in the last minute to cost us that game, and we made a decision that if teams are going to beat us, let's not beat ourselves."

"I think we've taken care of some things in the last five games. We're not turning the ball over, and we're putting ourselves in the position to win the game."

St. Bernard's cruised to a 53-31 lead at the break largely on the outside shooting of LaRoche, who netted 16 points in the first half, and five points from Sean Maki, who finished with 12.

The early outside success opened up the paint in the second half for twin towers Garrett Stephenson (14 of his 16 points in the second half) and Joseph Saba (6 of 10 points in the second half).

"I thought we were able to establish an inside game in the second half because we hit some shots early in the game," Pierce said. "They had to come play us on the perimeter and now we can get the ball inside a little bit. I thought we were well balanced tonight, and that's all you can ask."

The Crusaders (6-5, 3-3 Dual Valley) showed effort throughout the game but were unable to convert multiple putback opportunities.

"I liked the hustle on the offensive glass, but to make it count you need to put (the shots) in," Whitinsville Christian coach Brady Bajema said. "I thought the guys competed to the end (but) there were certain opportunities out there where (St. Bernard's) made plays, and we didn't respond."

"They hit big shots, and we didn't come back and hit a big shot to respond. So we got to take those punches and respond to those better."

The Crusaders spread the offense with Spencer Gorman notching eight points, and Ian Haire and Owen Brookhouse scoring seven each

John Conry made several nice plays driving to the hoop on his way to 11 points for St. Bernard's while also effectively controlling the ball and managing the game.

St. Bernard's has a week to rest up before hosting Northbridge on Feb. 1.

The Crusaders are home against St. Mary of Westfield on Monday.

Contact Shaun Suhoski at sports@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @TGSports.